Veterinary Assistant: Job Description, Salary, Duties & More (2024)

The Ultimate Resource For Veterinary Assistant Career Path

In the US, on average, 250,000 animals face hoarding conditions each year.

That is why the animal healthcare sector is seeing improvements.

As a result, veterinary assistant jobs are on the rise.

We need more vet assistants to help the veterinarians.

And to spread more awareness about animal abuse.

So if you’re thinking of becoming one, you’re in the right place.

Here is a complete career guide for this path.

Veterinary Assistant Job Information

Official Job Title	Veterinary Assistant
Average Salary	$37,520
Stress Level	Average
Work/Life	Average
Job Satisfaction	High
Career Advancement	High

Veterinary Assistant Job Description

Here is everything you must be aware of about vet assistant jobs:

What Is A Veterinary Assistant?

A veterinary assistant is an individual responsible for caring for animals.

They typically work under the supervision of a senior.

This may be a veterinarian technician or a veterinarian.

Currently, there are approximately 71,000 vet assistants in the US.

Their presence is valuable in animal healthcare.

Hence, they perform a variety of tasks every day.

What Does A Veterinary Assistant Do On A Daily Basis?

There are many tasks that a vet assistant has to do daily.

Their typical day starts with an animal count.

After that, they spend some time sterilizing the medical tools.

This is, of course, to be always on standby for treating animal injuries.

Once they complete the technical work, assistants perform more hands-on tasks.

For example, they have to feed each animal at the clinic.

Then they have to bathe each creature as well.

Besides that, vet assistants are responsible for making the animals exercise daily.

If an injured victim is at the clinic, they have to care for them too.

If any new animal enters with wounds, they are the first point of contact.

Responsibilities, Duties, & Roles Of A Veterinary Assistant

The typical responsibility of a veterinary assistant is to care for the animals.

They have to ensure that each pet is doing well.

Additionally, they have to run tests whenever necessary.

Moreover, vet assistants must help their supervisors during animal surgeries.

Their duty may include restraining the pet or handing tools to the veterinarian.

Once the surgery finishes, they must give the animal medications on time.

Hence the primary role of vet assistants is to help out their supervisors.

Additionally, they have to give full attention to the pets.

After all, they are the individuals in touch with the animals most.

Veterinary Assistant Salary

Here are the salaries of veterinary assistants as per their career level:

Average Salary

The yearly average salary of a vet assistant is $37,520 in the US.

However, this figure can vary depending on various factors.

For example, the region of the country plays an integral role in salary.

Currently, veterinary assistants in California receive the highest annual salaries.

As a result, these individuals have high demand, specifically in Sacramento.

Thus, you must research your area before making a decision.

Starting Salary

On average, the starting salary of vet assistants in the US is $20,000 per year.

Senior Salary

Veterinary technicians are the senior versions of veterinary assistants. Their yearly salary in the US is $45,080.

How To Become A Veterinary Assistant

If you are passionate about helping animals, you’re in the correct place.

Here is what you need to know about becoming a vet assistant:

The Entry Level: Certification, Training, & Degree

There is no need to achieve a degree to become a veterinary assistant.

A high school diploma or GED is adequate.

But of course, if you want to rise, you must have sufficient experience.

Additionally, for senior positions, employers prefer individuals with an associate degree.

There are alternatives if you don’t want to go down this path.

For example, you can complete various certifications.

The NAVTA and AVA are two programs that offer veterinary certifications.

If you complete either of them, your job opportunities will be vast.

Moreover, you can opt for online training as well.

Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications

All veterinary assistants need to have high emotional strength.

Besides that, listening skills must be sharp.

After all, they are the first point of contact for various pet owners.

Moreover, vet assistants must have an eye for detail.

This is because one of their duties is to monitor the condition of animals.

They also must have a passion for helping others.

Lastly, an individual must have prior experience in the field to qualify for jobs.

Additionally, some places do not offer on-the-job training.

In such cases, the assistant must finish their training through other programs.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Veterinary Assistant?

If you opt for an associate’s degree, it will take two years.

Otherwise, finishing online training requires seven months.

After that, you can search for a job.

Meanwhile, certification training can take six to twelve months.

Is It Hard To Become A Veterinary Assistant?

If you have a passion for animal care, becoming a vet assistant won’t be difficult.

Veterinary Assistant Career Paths

Are you sure about becoming a veterinary assistant?

If so, here is what you need to know about the career path.

The Veterinary Assistant Roadmap

There are two routes that you can follow to become a vet assistant.

First, you can spend two years completing an associate’s degree.

Or you can get a diploma and then finish certification training.

The second pathway is preferable by many because it takes lesser time.

However, a degree can give you a competitive edge.

Additionally, for both routes, you must complete job training.

Moreover, you must volunteer at an animal shelter or clinic.

This will help you gain field experience to qualify for the job.

Furthermore, you can opt for a cleaning or similar position at an animal clinic.

Projections For Growth In Veterinary Assistant Jobs

The job growth projection for veterinary assistants is 19% over the next decade.

This is a faster rate than in other career fields.

Hence, advancement in this job is relatively high.

In Summary: Is Veterinary Assistant A Good Career?

A veterinary assistant is a promising career with relatively high pay.

Job satisfaction is also above average.

Working Conditions

Here is what you need to know about the working conditions of a vet assistant:

Can A Veterinary Assistant Work Remotely From Home?

Veterinary assistants can work from home.

For example, remote jobs primarily offer customers help during emergencies.

Besides that, they answer questions relevant to animal care on the phone.

Vet assistants primarily care for animals in person.

How Many Hours Does A Veterinary Assistant Work?

Typically, veterinary assistants work forty hours per week.

Can A Veterinary Assistant Work Part-Time?

A veterinary assistant can work part-time.

However, this is something that employers rarely offer.

Instead, they provide full-time jobs involving flexible hours.

What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A Veterinary Assistant?

On average, a vet assistant gets two to three weeks of vacation days.

Though keep in mind this varies from company to company.

Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant Resume Tips

Are you looking to create the best vet assistant resume for yourself?

Here are the top tips to follow:

Note down all your soft skills relevant to animal care
Mention all the past jobs in detail
Start the resume with the latest experience and go backward
Do not use fancy layouts, as they hinder readability
End the resume with an impactful summary

Veterinary Assistant Interview Questions

Here are some key questions you can ask a potential candidate during an interview:

Q1: Does any animal scare you?

Why it works: A vet assistant must treat all animals equally.

This will allow you to understand if they are capable of handling themselves.

After all, there is no way to know what animal might enter the clinic as a patient.

Q2: How do you handle aggressive pets?

Why it works: This will help you learn if the candidate can assist with animal surgeries.

Q3: Do you know how to provide first-aid to animals?

Why it works: The primary duty of a vet assistant is to offer immediate help.

If the candidate cannot answer this question, they require more training.

Jobs Related To Veterinary Assistant

Here are some other jobs related to veterinary assistants:

Veterinarian
Vet technician
Nursing Assistant
And much more

For HR Managers: Tips For Hiring A Veterinary Assistant

As an HR manager, here are the top tips for hiring a vet assistant:

Key Characteristics To Look For In A Veterinary Assistant

Here are some key characteristics to look for in a vet assistant:

Ability to help others
Capable of listening to pet owners with patience
High emotional strength for carrying out tough tasks such as euthanizing an animal
Ability to notice small details and changes
Prior experience in the field

Minimum Level Of Education & Experience

The minimum education for vet assistants is a high school diploma.

For senior positions associate’s degree is preferable.

A capable vet assistant must already have some training.